Former Yale Head Coach Tony Reno Dies at 52

Former Yale head football coach Tony Reno has died at the age of 52 following a long battle with a rare illness, his family announced Friday.

Reno stepped down as Yale’s head coach in February due to his health after spending 14 seasons leading the Bulldogs. He had been on medical leave since the 2025 season ended.

“We are sadly reporting that former Yale head football coach Tony Reno has passed away,” his family said. “Please keep the Reno family in your thoughts and prayers.”

Reno leaves Yale as one of the most accomplished coaches in program history, finishing his career with an 83-49 record and 55-36 record in Ivy League play. His 83 wins rank 2nd in Yale history behind only Carm Cozza.

During his tenure, Yale won or shared 5 Ivy League championships in 2017, 2019, 2022, 2023 and 2025. The Bulldogs also defeated rival Harvard in 7 of Reno’s final 9 meetings.

His final season became one of the most memorable in program history.

Yale captured another Ivy League championship in 2025 and earned the conference’s first automatic berth to the FCS Playoffs. The Bulldogs overcame a 35-7 halftime deficit to defeat Youngstown State 43-42 before falling in the second round. Yale finished the season ranked No. 13 nationally.

Yale Athletics released a statement remembering Reno: “Tony Reno devoted his life to serving others and approached every day with humility, compassion, and purpose,” Yale athletic director Vicky Chun said. “While his accomplishments on the football field were remarkable, it is the relationships he built and the lives he changed that will define his enduring legacy.”

Reno is survived by his wife, Toni, and their children, Dante, Angelina and Vince. His son Dante is currently Yale’s starting quarterback.